Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost- September 7, 2025

This Week at a Glance

GREETINGS FROM FR. JOHN, KELLY, GRAY, ELEANOR, AND MARY MAC!

Waiting and Growing Together

Waiting in the past year has been a challenge for all of us. There are things we have been putting off saying, “when the new rector gets here…” In the waiting we continued to wonder about who we are, not wanting to make too much of a commitment without a permanent Rector to help guide and lead us. In the waiting we wondered about the spiritual care for the congregation, consistency in worship, and a boarder sense of where we will be going as a community of faith. August was particularly challenging in our waiting as we negotiated the day-to-day life of the church without any Rector at all. Now, Fr. John is with us and he will be leading us in worship, offering guidance and wisdom, and we will be able to sigh and relax knowing the waiting is finally over….unless it isn’t.

I was recently talking to our Jr. Warden, Shareen Knowlton, about the energy around our new rector's arrival. Shareen wisely remarked that part of the challenge of bringing in a new person is that the waiting and the experience of transition does not end with the new person starting. We are going to have to keep waiting. Fr. John is going to have to learn names (wear your name tags!!) and is going to learn the customs and practices of this community. He is going to have to learn the personalities and the procedures of the Saint Luke’s community as well as the customs of a New England congregation. Fr. John is going to be taking time to learn how to work with Rodney, Amy, and me in an efficient way. And he and his family are going to have to learn about the customs and culture of Rhode Island. I’ve been living in Rhode Island for more than 15 years and I’m still working to learn and understand the customs and culture of this small but mighty state. It is going to take some time.

We are going to need to take time to get used to him. Fr. John brings so many gifts and abilities, wisdom, and knowledge that are authentic to who he is. We are going to have to learn how Fr. John is not like Fr. Craig or Fr. Tim or Fr. Jarrett or any of the other priests who have been a part of this community. We are going to be inspired with his way of preaching which is wonderful and true to who he is. It will take time. We are going to have to learn his approach to leadership, to pastoral care, to teaching, and to liturgy. It will take time.

As we welcome Fr. John, part of the waiting will be over, but take a breath. Take a breath, pause, and listen for God’s presence in this time of transition. With each sermon we hear from Fr. John, God is whispering, “I am doing a new thing, can you hear it?” Each meeting that Fr. John leads, God is stirring, “I am doing a new thing, can you perceive it?” With each visit that Fr. John makes, God is saying, “this is a new thing, can you see it?” It takes time to hear, time to experience, time to see the new thing that we are all anticipating.

As we wait to grow into this new thing that we are all living into together, let us strive to support each other, support Fr. John and his family, and to be open to the movement and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The waiting is almost over. The waiting is yet to begin.

Peace, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Malone

Office Hours in September

Throughout September, office hours will be 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday-Friday.



NEED A NAMETAG?

Email the Parish Office (admin@stlukeseg.org)

or call the office (884-4116) to submit your information.

We will post your nametag on the wall board asap!

Calling All Singers! Choirs resume in September!

The Choirs of St. Luke’s resume their full schedule just after Labor Day. Have you considered participation in one of our choirs for you and/or your children? St. Luke’s supports an active choral ministry, and new members of all ages are invited to sing. Please contact Rodney Ayers, Minister of Music, for more information (401-884-4116 ext. 107 or rodney@stlukeseg.org)

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

Canterbury Choir

Adult Choir – Beginning September 4

Thursdays at 7pm

St. Cecilia Choir

3^rd-12^th grade Choristers – Beginning September 5

Fridays at 4pm

Angel Choir

PreK - 2^nd Graders – Beginning September 10

Wednesdays at 4pm

Come add your voice to the musical prayers and praises that resound

throughout our St. Luke’s community!

St. Luke’s Acolyte Ministry

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

I’m reaching out to invite you to help us reinvigorate an important and cherished ministry at St. Luke’s: the Acolyte Ministry.

Acolytes play a vital role in our worship services. Their presence enhances the beauty and flow of our liturgy, and the experience offers something deeply meaningful in return. Serving as an acolyte draws you into the heart of the service, offering a unique behind-the-scenes perspective and a deeper connection to the life of the church. Many former and current acolytes carry fond memories of their time in this role – some even ran up to me before services, eager to jump in and help. There was a real sense of camaraderie and joy.

One of the most memorable moments for many is the first time they carry the cross and lead the procession – it’s a powerful and uplifting experience. 

Over the past two decades, we’ve been blessed with years when more than 20 young people served as acolytes annually. However, over time, our numbers have declined. I believe we can rebuild this ministry into something vibrant and thriving once again.

Children aged 10 and up are warmly invited to serve, and we’ve now opened the ministry to adults as well. It would bring great joy to see acolytes once again carrying the cross and flanked by torchbearers at the 10 AM service.

If you or your child are interested in participating, I encourage you to reach out to the church office, to Julie, or to me directly. Let’s bring this ministry back to life – together. 

With gratitude and hope,

Charlie & Julie Cronin

Youth Faith Formation

Help Us Stay Connected

As we gear up for a new school year full of children and youth events, classes, and special opportunities, we want to make sure your family stays in the loop! Please take a moment to register your children ages 0-17 HERE so we can keep you updated through our weekly youth newsletter, The Rhode to Emmaus. It’s the best way to stay informed about upcoming events and discover how you and your kids can get involved! 

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Save the Date:

Fall Youth Retreat!

Students in grades 6–12 are invited to join us for a weekend of fun, faith, and fellowship at the Episcopal Conference Center from November 21–23!

Mark your calendars now, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for registration info and our retreat theme coming soon! Questions? Please email amy@stlukeseg.org

Upcoming Events

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A Grapevine of Gratitude

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches… You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. John 15:4-5, 16-17

Gratitude is abundant for the many blessings -- both great and small -- shared within our St. Luke's community. Enjoy more new Highlights from the Vine...

All the amazing open hearts at St. Luke's

Celebrating Bill McClintick at 106 years young!

All the individuals who through our many ministries demonstrate an unwavering dedication to our mission of service both within our congregation & the broader community

The authentic faith family here who show genuine love to all

This Sunday, everyone is invited one last time to help the grapevine flourish with thankfulness for the good news of Christ that we share and experience at St. Luke’s!

Thank you! The Adult Faith Formation Team

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